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CS 12 seater Car Hire
Are you planning an extended family holiday, but the thought of organising multiple hire cars is a bit of a headache?
12 seater car hire might be the answer to your problems, and we’ll unpack all the essential pros and cons in this great guide.
There are lots of advantages and splitting the rental cost is the first one – sharing the financial burden means you’ve more money to spend on something more interesting and there’s also less wear and tear on your own cars.
Furthermore, when you’re all travelling together, there’s no more time wasted herding everyone together if you get split up – you’re all rolling as one, all together on your holiday mission.
There’s also more space to stretch out, bring extra cases or your sporting kit. Because a 12 seater offers space compared to a regular car, there’s room for card games, singalongs, or simply relaxing in comfort and enjoying the scenery.
And if you’re an eco-friendly adventurer, there’s some solace in the fact you’ve reduced the amount of vehicles on the road by hiring one instead of several.
Why Choose a 12 seater Car for Your Travels
There are also a few unusual reasons you might want to pick 12 seater car hire.
It can be a serious bonus for die-hard sports fans, for instance – especially if you’re travelling to an away match or cup final. Hiring a 12 seater for this type of experience means you can travel to the game in style – the whole machine decked out in your team colours, snacks and drinks at the ready, everyone in high spirits as they anticipate a great result.
A 12 seater is also a terrific teambuilding hub, or venue for creative workshops – instead of hiring a budget hotel, you could splash out on a 12 seater and do some team bonding on the move, stopping at service stations or scenic spots for refreshments.
And if you’re homeschooling your children, your 12 seater van can become a mobile classroom for the duration of your break. And because you’re travelling independently, you can stop whenever you spot something interesting and have an impromptu lesson.
Finally, if you’re abroad on a stag or hen night, a 12 seater can be the ultimate mobile karaoke lounge, where you belt out your favourite bangers without bothering any neighbours. Please remember to keep the vehicle reasonably tidy though – you’ll be charged for any necessary deep cleaning or damage repair.
Comfort and Convenience for Large Groups
If you haven’t experienced 12 seater car hire before, you’re in for a treat. When your whole group of family and friends can travel together in comfort, you’ll never go back to carpooling multiple vehicles and it opens up a whole new dimension of travel.
With lots of legroom and headroom, everyone from your great granny to your toddler can travel in style and comfort, reducing stress levels on long journeys and allowing everyone to arrive feeling much more relaxed and refreshed.
It’s also much easier to coordinate a trip when you’re not arranging a convoy of multiple vehicles – inevitably, one or more cars gets lost or delayed, which eats into your holiday time. With everyone in the same motor, all that trouble disappears, and the parking is much easier too.
Any other advantages? Well, 12 seaters aren’t only modes of transport – they’re also social spaces. Seats are arranged to maximise interaction and conversation, making everyone’s journey much more pleasant.
And when you add in the mod cons of personalised climate control, entertainment systems and reclining seats, it’s easy to see how 12 seaters really add another spark to any holiday.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reserving Your Vehicle
You can reserve a 12-seater car online or by phone.
The first step is choosing a car hire company. Search online for car hire companies with good reviews at your pickup location. Look for companies with good ratings and a range of 12-seater options (minibus, passenger van).
Call the company or visit the website, enter your preferred pickup and drop-off dates, locations and number of passengers, then select the vehicle that best meets your needs, remembering factors like luggage space, comfort features, and automatic or manual transmission.
Once you've taken your pick, carry on with the booking process. You’ll have to enter your driver's license details and payment info and sometimes you can book with a deposit and pay the balance at pickup.
If you can, book in advance, especially for high season and large vehicles. Check the driver's license requirements (age restrictions may apply for larger vehicles). And always ask beforehand about add-ons like child seats or GPS navigation.
Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience
Before you contact a rental company, get your travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, and estimated passenger count ready. Do plenty of research online, researching reputable car hire companies offering 12-seaters. Browse reviews, compare prices, and weigh up essential vehicle features.
Read the fine print and make sure you’ve got all your essential documents ready – as well as your valid driver’s license, you’ll possibly need to present your passport for ID purposes. And always read the fine print very carefully to better understand the insurance coverage, potential fees and mileage limits.
Eligibility Criteria for 12 Seater Rentals
The criteria for 12 seater car hire varies slightly between providers but there are some commonalities, a valid driver's license is essential, and some firms might want you to have held it for 2 years.
And please be aware that in some regions, a standard license might not be sufficient – you might need a certain class for minibuses. Also, car hire firms typically restrict 12 seaters for social or personal purposes, so no commercial use is allowed.
These are all general guidelines, so be sure to check the specific policies of your chosen provider.
Top Destinations for 12 Seater Car Hire
12 seater cars are well-suited to several different destinations. But they’re particularly good fits for island hopping breaks in Greece or the Caribbean, because you can travel independently, stopping whenever a secret cove or secluded beach catches your eye.
And 12 seaters are also well-suited for ski and winter holidays to Europe and North America – with everyone seated safely inside and your ski gear stashed in the roof rack, you’ll arrive promptly, freshen up in your chalet and hit those fresh powdered slopes without delay.
Leading Providers of 12 Seater Car Hire Services
Finding the perfect 12-seater car hire company depends on your location and precise travel needs. But there are a few reputable providers known for offering a great selection of 12-seater vehicles.
For starters, Enterprise Rent-A-Car are a globally recognized brand offering a wide range of vehicles, including 12-seaters. They’re known for their convenient locations and exceptional customer service.
And then you’ve got Budget Truck Rental. Their name suggests trucks, but Budget also offers passenger vans that 12 or more. Their rates are also usually competitive and they’re a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
Don’t forget Avis Car Rental either. Another major player in the car rental vertical, Avis caters to diverse needs, including 12-seater rentals, and they usually have a variety of van options you can choose from.
Last but not least, Sixt offers a premium car rental experience, with a fine choice of high-quality 12-seater vehicles. Their rates might be pricier, but you can expect a comfortable and stylish ride in exchange.
While large chains dominate, please look for independent local companies. They might offer 12-seaters (check their websites) and provide personalized service with potentially competitive rates.